Mal-2

Re: Starship Deckplans You tool of choice is probably going to depend on how you want the program to work. If you want a CAD-like design program, CC2 (not free) or Autorealm (free) are your best choices. They're both designed to do RPG mapping. If you want a program that works like a paint program (like photoshop), try the GIMP. It's a powerful, general purpose paint program, and it's free. The interface isn't as friendly as photoshop or paintshop pro, but you can't beat the price. All of those tools require two things: Artistic talent and a willingness to climb the learning curve. None of them are going to have you churning out beautiful maps in a few hours. My advice for getting started is to rough out your first designs on paper first! Don't try to do your creative work at the same time you're learning your tools. Start with a concept, then use the program to put it into pixels. That way, you're only dealing with the learning curve of the software. Good Luck

Our group is working on a Warhammer 40k based Hero game. We've been working on a package for Imperial Space Marines, and have come across a few things we're not sure how to represent in Hero terms. One of those is the following ability: Phase 12 - Sus-an Membrane. This flat, circular organ is implanted over the top of the exposed brain. It then grows into the brain tissue until completely merged. The organ is ineffective without subsequent chemical therapy and training. However, a properly tutored Marine may then enter into a state of suspended animation. This may be a conscious action, or may happen automatically in the event of extreme physical trauma. In this condition a Marine may survive for many years, even if bearing otherwise fatal injuries. Only appropriate chemical therapy and auto-suggestion can revive a Marine from this state - a Marine cannot revive himself. The longest known period of de-animation followed by successful re-animation is 567 years in the case of brother Silas Err of the Dark Angels (d. 321 M.27). We took a stab at it, which I'll post tonight, when I get home. How would you build this ability?